Reklamo sa amo? Wagas na kaltas, atpb.? ISUMBONG SA DOLE HOTLINE 1349 PRRD REFILLS OFW RELIEF FUND PRESIDENT has approved the release of P5 billion as an additional fund to help in the repatriation and

photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS financial support programs for overseas Filipino workers affected by the COVID-19 TRIBUTE: Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Executive Secretary and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin lead officials in a recent tribute to honor OFWs who perished abroad due to COVID-19 and other causes. pandemic. P2

Repatriation of fallen OFWs 'more Recruitment agencies ordered than a gov't duty' – Bello to help stranded hires THE massive repatriation of overseas month. Filipino workers, including those who Bello made the statement as officials LICENSED recruitment agencies their respective processed OFWs whose have perished in their work places held an arrival tribute for 72 remains of are now required to assist applicants deployments were deferred due to abroad, amid the global health crisis is OFWs from Saudi Arabia last August 28, for overseas jobs who were stranded community quarantine restrictions. more than a duty of government, Labor the fourth batch to be repatriated from locally due to quarantine restrictions, POEA also instructed PRAs Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. to help overseas employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said late this P2 In order to provide relief to applicants currently housed in their legitimate manpower exporters, Bello accommodations and those who were also ordered suspension of private promised or assured employment recruitment agencies’ (PRA) payment assistance. Government mandates free of additional escrow deposit for two “All PRAs are directed to assist years to help them cope with the impact the locally stranded individuals, of the pandemic. which shall include but not limited swab tests for all workers According to Bello, the governing to, temporary accommodation or WORKERS in the hospitality and tourism cost to the employees,” Bello said. board of the Philippine Overseas shelter, food, COVID-19 test, and sectors, manufacturing companies, Describing the measure which took Employment Administration (POEA) transportation back to their respective including frontline and economic priority effect last August 12, he said: “This is so far approved in August separate resolutions provinces,” Bello said. employees, will be required to undergo the most comprehensive set of guidelines directing all PRAs to help their stranded Non-compliance with the reportorial regular RT-PCR test to prevent the spread for the safety and protection of workers applicants, and allowing the withdrawal requirement, wilful neglect or failure by of COVID-19 in workplaces, the labor and employees in workplaces. The strict of their escrow deposits in excess of P1 the licensed recruitment and manning department said. observance of these health protocols will million. Bello heads the POEA board. agencies to provide assistance without Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said make a big difference in our long-drawn Under POEA Governing Board just cause will warrant their suspension this is contained in Joint Memorandum battle to defeat COVID- 19 and ensure the Resolution No. 11, private recruitment and other sanctions the POEA may Circular No. 20-04, a supplemental productivity of the Filipino workforce.'” agencies are ordered to act on issues or deem necessary. guideline on workplace prevention and Identified to take real-time reverse complaints brought to their attention In GB Resolution No. 10, meanwhile, control of COVID-19 both issued by the transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and to closely monitor and to submit licensed agencies will no longer be DTI and DOLE. or RT–PCR test, are workers in the tourist report on the status and condition of P3 “The COVID-19 testing must be at no P2

Photo by NLRC photo by DOLE RO-6 photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS photo by Dodong Echaves, IPS AGENCIES REGIONS OVERSEAS GOOD NEWS POEA readies Campaign Mind wellness Japan eases global eye vs child labor in Macau restrictions for OFWs P5 beefed up P6 P7 for Pinoy workers P8 2 August 2020 PRRD REFILLS Returned workers OFW RELIEF top 170K

FUND RETURNING overseas The news was recently OFWs to their home provinces Filipino workers (OFWs) announced by Labor Secretary once they test negative of the who were assisted by the Silvestre Bello III who said, virus. labor department in going “Dahil po mahal na mahal ni Aside from the OWWA home to their respective Pangulong Duterte ang ating assistance, DOLE also extends a provinces already stands mga bagong bayani, ibinigay po one-time P10,000, or $200, cash at 170,000 as of end nya ang kailangan nating dagdag aid under its Abot-Kamay Ang August. na pondo para sa repatriation at Pagtulong Program (DOLE- In a report to Labor tulong para sa ating mga OFW.” AKAP) to pandemic-affected Secretary Silvestre Bello Bello said the bulk of the OFWs, both on-site and those III, Administrator Hans additional P5 billion fund will be stranded in the country. Leo Cacdac of the released to the Overseas Workers The initial amount of P2.5 photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) billion for the DOLE-AKAP Welfare Administration which undertakes the repatriation program is nearing depletion, as it said the month of August of OFWs displaced on-site due was utilized to provide assistance meant to benefit only 250,000. the AKAP program and more alone was capped with to lockdowns and closure of to more than 243,000 land- Total aid requests received by overseas workers will be 55,709 OFWs making their establishments overseas. based and sea-based workers, DOLE’s foreign offices and repatriated and provided with way home after testing Aside from repatriation with disbursements already OWWA now stand at 617,431. assistance. negative for COVID-19. assistance, OWWA shoulders the amounting to P2.4.92 billion as of Bello had requested P2.5 “I have directed our POLOs Before they left for cost of COVID tests for OFWs the end of this month. billion additional fund to to accelerate the processing of the provinces they upon their arrival in the country, So far, DOLE’s Philippine augment the requirements of the assistance so that a greater were all provided with as well as their food and hotel Overseas Labor Offices and about 597,469 OFWs seeking number of our OFWs can avail accommodations while awaiting OWWA had processed and government assistance. of the aid from government,” he assistance and temporary their test results. This also approved the applications of With the additional funding, said. accommodations while includes the cost of transporting 280,253 OFWs under the program more OFWs will benefit from waiting for their viral test results. OWWA also arranged transportation are highly encouraged to provide for their safe return to the Government mandates free swab tests for all workers . . . from P1 telemedicine services, in the provinces. The government has zones, local manufacturing special concern areas must be Under the joint memorandum absence of an HMO. been providing quarantine companies, transport and logistics, tested once every quarter. These circular, face shields must cover “We encourage large and accommodations, food food retail, education, financial include workers in transport and the entire face. Cloth masks with medium private establishments services, non-food retail, services, logistics, food retail, education, an additional filter such as tissue or those with multiple tenants, to and other assistance to all public market, construction; financial services, non-food retail, paper or similar material may be designate an isolation area of one repatriated OFWs since water supply, sewerage, and and those in the services sector. used as long as they are clean and room for every 200 employees, May and has so far sent waste management; public sector, The joint memorandum covers washed daily. On the other hand, which shall be a separate area home a total of 173,088 and mass media. all establishments, projects, sites, masks with vent and visor-types other than the company clinic,” to their destinations as of The guidelines specifically including establishments located are not allowed to be used. Bello said. August 29. mandate all employees in the inside special economic zones Bello said employers Private establishments unable Aside from the hospitality and tourism sectors in and other investment promotion classified as large and medium- to establish an isolation area OWWA assistance, DOLE El Nido, Boracay, Coron, Panglao, agencies, and all other places sized private establishments, may make arrangements with also extends a one-time Siargao, and other tourist zones, where work is being undertaken or those with total assets above a temporary treatment and P10,000 or $200 cash as identified and declared by in all branches of economic P15 million, are enjoined to monitoring facility nearby or with aid under AKAP to the barangay authority while the Department of Tourism, to activity, except in the public provide shuttle services to their pandemic-affected OFWs, malls and buildings must have at undergo testing once every four sector. employees. Windows of shuttle both on-site and those least one isolation area near their weeks. Aside from the regular testing, service must also be opened at stranded in the country. Based on the guidelines, DOLE and DTI also mandate least three inches while in transit. entrances. employees of manufacturing the wearing of face mask and Adequate ventilation must companies and public service face shield and provision of be strictly enforced inside the providers in economic zones disinfection materials and workplace and installation of Repatriation of fallen OFWs "more located within Special Concern supplies in strategic areas in exhaust fans and air filtration Areas must be tested once every workplaces, including company devices is encouraged. than a gov't duty – Bello . . . from P1 quarter. shuttle services. To properly manage In addition, frontline and Sick leave benefits, medical asymptomatic and symptomatic the kingdom since July. Majority This brings to 267 the total economic priority workers or insurance coverage, including cases, the DOLE-DTI guidelines of those flown home died of human remains of OFWs those who work in high-priority supplemental pay allowance, for require employers to ensure that COVID-19. repatriated from the KSA as of sectors, both public and private or COVID 19 RT-PCR test-confirmed employees, regardless of work “We’re doing this not just the end of this month, including those who have high interaction employees or close contacts made arrangements, have access to because it’s our duty. This is the first three batches brought with and exposure to the public to undergo a 14-day quarantine telemedicine services. Large and the government’s way of paying home in July. and those who live or work in must also be provided to workers. medium private establishments respect and giving recognition From the Ninoy Aquino to our modern day heroes’ International Airport (NAIA) valuable contribution to the Terminal 3 in Pasay City, the growth of the Filipino families remains classified as COVID and the country,” Bello said. cases were immediately brought Of those repatriated, 62 to nearby crematoriums while succumbed to COVID-19 related the rest were transported to diseases while ten died of other their respective provinces at causes. They were flown in via government’s expense. a Philippine Airlines chartered Key government officials flight. led by Defense Undersecretary Of the repatriated remains, Cesar Yano, former Labor 40 came from Al Khobar, 17 from Secretary Marianito Roque Jeddah and 15 from Riyadh. and Overseas Workers Welfare photo by DOLE RO-8 Three more bodies of OFWs Administration (OWWA) from Riyadh, that were not administrator Hans Leo Cacdac USING TECHNOLOGY TO MANAGE CONFLICT. The department's Southern Leyte Field Office (SLFO) managed to facilitate an agreement accommodated in the chartered led the welcome ceremonies between a worried worker and his employer through the use of digital platform. Thinking he was illegally terminated by his employer, the worker had sought DOLE assistance. SLFO head Ms. Marites Viňas then initiated an online video conference between the two parties where flight, were brought home on for the deceased modern-day the worried worker realized he was just on furlough and not terminated by his employer. As a result of the conference, it was agreed that the board a commercial PAL flight. heroes. requesting party shall be prioritized for work as soon as his employer resumes business operation. They died of non-COVID causes. dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR August 2020 3 Providence smiles for Pinoys as foreign jobs start kicking in

A BRIGHT prospect amid the pandemic looms large for Filipino new employers. Among such workers as the Department of Labor and Employment revealed an requests include those made by increasing job requests in Guam. Architectural Painting Services, Based on the labor market report made by Assistant Labor LLC, which intends to employ Attache Armi Pena, the department’s labor office in L.A.has 50 painters and with Venture been consistently receiving job order requests from accredited Management Systems Interna- employers in the construction sector in Guam. tional Corporation as its Philip- pine counterpart recruitment As per Pena’s report, Guam and Sons, Inc.–10 job orders agency; and Contrack Watts Inc. Department of Labor Director (all carpenters), with Global which intends to employ five (5) David Dell'Solla relayed the Manpower as their Philippine reinforcing metal workers, four US territory’s interest in hiring Recruitment Agency (PRA). (4) heavy equipment operators, skilled Filipinos for construction According to the department, and four (4) pipefitters and with and maintenance job categories. the Office of the Labor Attaché Global Manpower as its Philip- Some of the work prospects in in LA has opened all communi- pine recruitment agency (PRA). Guam are as follows: Northern cation lines to interview foreign POLO-LA is also conducting Construction-27 job orders; principals for the documentary a thorough background check 5M Construction Corporation- requirements to determine their to determine the track record photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS 24 job orders (11 carpenters, veracity. and favorable standards for 12 cement masons, 1 heavy He said POLO-LA is process- managing the employment of equipment operator); and BME ing requests for accreditation of foreign workers. Keen public ear earns Cure could be harsher in total DOLE top action award smoking ban during pandemic FOR ITS quick action assistance, to help identify on complaints and areas for improvement IN A case where the cure could be employment. allowed, but doing so should be requests for assistance, the and intervention, and harsher than the disease, the labor “We can’t ban smoking done individually in designated Department of Labor and ultimately, to help improve department has opposed calls for because it will adversely affect smoking areas. Employment (DOLE) was the department’s services the imposition of a a total smoking the tobacco industry,” Bello, a key “We can smoke in smoking awarded among the top and programs. ban in government’s campaign to member of the task force, said. areas. But the condition is one five responsive agencies in By the end of 2019, contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Bello said the tobacco business smoker at a time,” Bello explained. government. DOLE has already The Inter-agency Task Force remits to the government P145 Meanwhile, Bello continued DOLE, along with its resolved 1,331 of the 1,345 on Emerging Infectious Diseases billion in excise taxes yearly while extending the labor department’s attached agencies, received complaints and requests for (IATF-EID) has floated the idea of employing 2.5 million Filipino financial assistance to overseas the award from the People’s assistance received through totally banning smoking in a bid workers. It contributes heavily to Filipino workers (OFWs) Television Network which the 8888 portal, translating to control the spread of Covid 19 the universal health fund of the displaced by the pandemic. gives out the distinction to to a compliance rate of 98.95 in the country. government. In the same event, Bello agencies that have shown percent. During a recent team visit “If we ban smoking, those awarded 30 certificates of the effective and prompt Among the top concerns by the COVID-19 Coordinated figures will be severely affected,” financial aid to OFW beneficiaries action in addressing public received by the DOLE were Operations to Defeat Epidemic he added. of Silang so it can help its troubled complaints through the about labor standards, (CODE) in Gen. Trias, Cavite, As labor secretary, Bello said migrant workers. “Digong 8888” public employment assistance, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III “my job is to protect and preserve Each certificate entitles an hotline. systems, and procedures, said the IATF originally planned employment. To achieve that, I OFW beneficiary to a P20,000 DOLE, the Overseas and personal matters. to ban smoking but DOLE raised help shops to stay in business.” initial capital for livelihood or Workers Welfare Since the inception of opposition owing to its serious As a result of DOLE’s position business. repercussions to businesses and on the matter, smoking is still Administration (OWWA), the ‘Digong 8888’ program, and the Employees’ several DOLE offices have Compensation Commission received commendations (ECC) received plaques for their timely response Labor orders agencies to help stranded hires . . . from P1 of appreciation as second, to queries and complaints, third, and fifth most specifically in regional required to make additional recruitment agency or manning indicating the number of pending responsive agencies, offices. escrow deposits. Those with no agency is required to maintain recruitment violation case/s; respectively, along with In 2018, then DOLE- more than 30 pending recruitment an escrow agreement with a Board Resolution/Partnership DSWD (first), and DOH National Capital Region violation cases are qualified to commercial bank authorized Resolution (for corporation or (4th) from program’s Director Henry John request for the withdrawal of to handle trust accounts by the partnership) or Letter of Intent anchor, Presidential Legal Jalbuena and Director their deposits. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (for sole proprietorship) on Counsel , Andrea Cabansag, head But the withdrawal may The minimum amount of the decision to withdraw the be allowed only provided that the escrow deposit is P1 million additional escrow deposit; surety together with Assistant of Makati and Pasay they post a surety bond for two and the purpose of which is to bond for two years; and Affidavit Secretary Kris Roman and Field Office, respectively, years equivalent to the amount address future liabilities arising of Undertaking. Trixie Jaafar. received commendation of the additional escrow deposit from possible claims of workers The requirements must be “Digong 8888” was put letters for the speedy requested to be withdrawn as due to employment contract submitted to the POEA Licensing up right after President resolution of the case guaranteed by the insurance violations. Branch through email address, Rodrigo Duterte was filed by a certain Edward company. Prior to the issuance of evaluation.licensing@poea. elected. It aims to give Brendon Ranjo against his This resolution suspends Governing Board Resolution gov.ph and the original copies citizens a hotline for former employer, Club for two years the further No. 10, agencies with pending through the designated drop box public service requests and Ultima Company and implementation of Sections recruitment violation case/s located at the POEA lobby. complaints. Crown Regency Hotel for 15(b) and 16(b), Rule II, Part before the POEA are required Once the POEA Administrator In support of the alleged slow processing of II of the POEA Revised Rules to have an additional escrow approves the request for the initiative, Labor Secretary back wages. and Regulations Governing the deposit amount depending on withdrawal of the additional Silvestre Bello III issued The DOLE Makati and Recruitment and Employment of the number of pending case/s. escrow deposit, the Licensing an Administrative Order Pasay Field Offices, upon Land based OFWs and Seafarers, Licensed agencies who wish and Regulation Office, through in 2017 which created receipt of the complaint respectively. to withdraw their additional the Licensing Branch, shall DOLE 8888 Citizens’ in November 2017, However, only the amount escrow deposit must submit then authorize the escrow Complaint Action Team to immediately acted on of additional escrow deposit the following requirements agent to release the additional ensure prompt action on Ranjo’s concern until the in excess of P1 million shall be to the POEA: bank certificate escrow deposit to the licensed complaints and requests for final resolution of the case. released to the agency, Bello said. representing the total amount recruitment or manning agency. Under the POEA rules of escrow deposit; certification and regulations, a licensed from the Adjudication Office PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 4 August 2020 In step with the times, DOLE Central Luzon pursues efficiency through digital approach

AMID pandemic-induced an unprecedented situation CATS, all types of emails, challenges besetting everyone for everyone, we had to files, and documents received across the globe, many have devise ways on how we can by the office are categorized “As the lockdown was an resorted to using digital communicate and process and grouped in the system. platforms such as Zoom volumes of applications Every process each document/ unprecedented situation for meetings, Google Meet and without having to risk request undergoes is outlined other video-conferencing apps everyone’s safety,” she said. “It in CATS for ease of tracking for meetings, conferences and was a challenge, but not seen as and counter-checking. everyone, we had to devise transactions. The Department a problem,” she added. In addition to systems of Labor and Employment According to RD adopted for internal ways on how we can Regional Office in Central Campita, the regional office manage-ment, DOLE-3 also Luzon is no exception. had long considered the implemented systems to communicate and process In fact, the regional office, use of digital platforms in improve efficiency of services ably led by Regional Director the implementation of the provided to clients. Such volumes of Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita, department’s program even systems include the D.O. 174 pursued and accelerated the prior to the onset of the Contractors' Registration use of digital platforms in pandemic. “It was in everyone’s & Monitoring System and applications a bid to provide service to mindset— inculcated by the Compliance & Dismissal its constituents in the most office’s history of always being Orders Management System. without efficient and risk-free manner a step ahead,” she said. The latter allows drafters possible. It is no wonder that In early 2018, DOLE 3 to select and tick boxes, as having DOLE Central Luzon was able was already recognized for well as supply necessary to render service and financial innovative and low-cost information, so that orders of support for around 166,500 solutions adopted by the compliance and dismissal are to risk individuals and companies regional office. At the Parangal automatically generated and since the start of the pandemic para sa Natatanging Kawani ready for printing. Provincial everyone’s until July. at Tanggapan ng Kagawaran field offices may also trace the Recognizing the urgency 2018, DOLE-3 was awarded as status of the drafted and issued safety.” of implementing the depart- the Most Innovative Regional orders through this system. ment’s various programs and Office for adopting innovative Despite the significant projects supportive of workers means of providing services success it has achieved in as far adversely affected by the pan- that include a computer as innovation and digitalization Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita demic, the regional office took and software-based Labor are concerned, the regional Regional Director advantage of the benefits of Inspection Tracking System office is keen on taking its utilizing digital platforms. (LITS) and Data Tracking efforts to the next level in order DOLE RO No. 3 Despite the challenges of System (DTS). Both systems to enhance efficiency and create a quarantine, the regional are used to fast-track the better experience for its clients. office was able to provide processing of the labor agency’s “Every system produced gives financial aid to 5,424 applicant- various services, particularly birth to a new idea of doing establishments and 116,368 in labor inspection and records things,” RD Campita stressed. individuals under Covid-19 management. Currently, the regional Adjustment Measures Program The regional office also office is the final stage (CAMP). It also rendered improved its Daily Time of creating an Inventory financial support for 31,956 Record (DTR) system through Management System, which worker-beneficiaries under the adoption of an employee would incorporate budgetary the Tulong Panghanapbuhay profile and a daily biometrics allotment and requirements for sa Ating Disadvantaged/ module, which is able to purchase of any kind. DOLE-3 Executive Editor | RAUL M. FRANCIA Displaced Workers Barangay produce monthly reports of believes that an efficient process Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD #BKBK); DTRs and unused leave credits and system are the backbone Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO and for 12,753 OFWs under automatically computed from of service excellence that the Issue Editor | RHEA S. CARLOS Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong tardiness and absences as agency seeks to provide. (AKAP), a one-time emergency generated from the biometrics Even after we're free to Central Desk | N.L. PETILLA | MARIO F. FETALINO JR cash aid of $200 or P10,000 to attendance system. slowly return to our regularly Senior Writers | CORAZON C. GONZALES | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS help OFWs displaced by the The regional office also scheduled lives, the different ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN | PETER PAUL R. ANG pandemic. adopted the Client Assistance developed systems and these Regional Director Campita Tracking System (CATS), which technologies harnessed when Contributing Writers | HERSHEY AQUINO, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR emphasized that DOLE is an upgrade of the previous we were locked inside our ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | REGINALD ESTIOCO, RO2 is bound by its duty to DTS. The previous DTS has homes will be good additions JELYN ABELLA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A implement innovative ways been superseded by CATS with to the way we do things,” EMMANUEL ANTONIO PORTUGAL, RO4-B | JOHANA VI GASGA, RO5 of delivering services to its a wider scope and provincial RD Campita explained. –Aira NIEZEL ANEN SABRIDO, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 clients. “As the lockdown was field office adaptation. With Cunanan NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO, RO8 | KAREN CLAIRE GRAFIA, RO9 MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | EDUARDO MONREAL, RO11 CHRISTOPHER GAMBOA, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEMATA, CARAGA Creative Artist | VERONICA C. CASIL Sec. Bello condoles Photographers | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ | REGIE D. MASON Circulation Manager | GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE

Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | RANDY F. FERNANDEZ

with victims of Beirut blast The PHILIPPINE LABOR is the official publication of the Department of Labor and Employment THE Department of Labor and Employment condoles with the families of the two Filipino with editorial office at the Information and Publication Service workers who perished in the tragic accident in Beirut, Lebanon last August 4, 2020. We also pray 5th Floor, DOLE Building, General Luna Wing, Manila. for the fast recovery of eight other Filipinos who were injured, some of them seriously, and who are still under treatment at various hospitals in Lebanon. With a heavy heart, we have notified the next of kin of the two that perished while the necessary assistance is also being extended to their families for the immediate repatriation of their remains back in the country. We shall expedite the release of appropriate insurance and benefits from the Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. Mail or fax them in, or call us Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for all victims of the tragedy. at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, We also note with sadness that 11 others of our OFWs, all sea-based workers docked at the port 623, 625, 626, 627. Our fax number is 527-3446. of Beirut, are still unaccounted for. Our office is coordinating closely with Lebanese authorities You may also visit our website: to locate them and work for their safe return to the country should they decide so. www.dole.gov.ph; or e-mail us at [email protected].

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR August 2020 • AGENCIES • 5 POEA readies global eye ECC goes on aid binge to help disabled workers to monitor welfare of OFWs Help for PWRDs in the North THE Philippine Overseas IN A time of crisis and charity the seed money to start a sari-sari Administration (POEA) in the Employees’ Compensation store, while Roel Soriano, a former partnership with Abizo, a Commission (ECC) has been doing house painter said he’ll use the digital transformation solutions its share to do good as it ratchets grant as seed capital to start a small platform, will launch a global up its program to reach out to the printing business. monitoring digital system to help less fortunate, especially those All the beneficiaries were asked ensure the welfare and safety disenfranchised from employment. to undergo a livelihood seminar of overseas Filipino workers’ Recently the commission’s on starting and managing small (OFWs) abroad. Regional Extension Unit in Central businesses. Among the information that Luzon (REU3) gave livelihood Janyn Lyza Malig, business will be gleaned by the digital starter kits to 32 individuals counselor from DTI, shared her system called “POEA OFW who have been handicapped by entrepreneurial knowledge while work-related accidents. Each of Senior Labor and Employment Global Monitoring Pilot Project” the beneficiary received P20,000 Officer Jose Roberto Navata is the determination of the in livelihood assistance as part imparted worker’s rights and accurate number of OFWs, their of the commission’s Katulong at welfare to the participants. respective deployment locations, Gabay sa Manggagawang may The ECC’s KaGabay Program their employers and working photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS Kapansanan (KaGabay) program. has constantly provided livelihood conditions and other vital The KaGabay Program, is opportunities to PWRDs. Last information necessary to help a special economic assistance year, the commission gave out ensure their safety and wellbeing. track the large number of OFWs The success of the pilot project program for persons with work- livelihood assistance to hundreds of The initial part of the that are hired by the licensed will be based on the rate of related disabilities (PWRDs), or handicapped workers amounting program will focus on direct agencies including the ability engagement of the target OFWs, persons that had lost employment to more than 8.7 million. and government-to-government to help ensure an orderly and including the number of OFWs due to a work-related injury or “This year, the ECC continues hired overseas workers which smooth deployment of thousands who will register through the sickness or injury. The program to strengthen its services as will employ a system that will of OFWs. link that will be provided by the aims to re-integrate PWRDs into we provide more livelihood allow real-time monitoring. This The POEA said that a key POEA. the economic mainstream through opportunities to our PWRDs in will allow POEA to provide concept of the project is the ability OFWs are encouraged to rehabilitation services, skills our mission to help them return resolution on specific cases and to have a “emergency red button” participate in the said pilot training, and livelihood assistance. to the economic mainstream appropriate intervention as that will allow government to project to make the digital Jhunhay Zulueta, a former and as we assist them gain new needed. conduct prompt assistance on monitoring and tracking system machine operator said that he’ll skills and competencies. We will The next phase of the project, issues and concerns that may work effectively. use the P20,000 to buy a sewing strive harder to promote their will give the POEA the ability to need quick government action. machine to start a tailoring welfare and ensure their success business. as entrepreneurs,” ECC Executive Another beneficiary of the Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis livelihood assistance, Israel Cortez, said. another beneficiary, said he’ll use Nimble mediation by RCMB Help for PWRDs in the South THE ECC also extended help to 17 former distribution assistant of a averts Davao labor strike PWRDs in Davao City. steel company. The PWRDs also received ED Zipagan-Banawis said P20,000 worth of livelihood that the grant is geared to forge package each. The Davao economic independence and DAVAO CITY — Neither Both parties failed to agree on As per agreement by both beneficiaries were Ernesto Alberca, sustainability for workers whose pandemic nor cutthroat labor the economic provisions of the parties, the RCMB-XI conducted Rexcel Joyson Cabezas, John Paul income have been restricted by concerns could deter the Regional CBA specifically wage increase, on July 9, RCMB-11 conducted Pancho, Wilson Auditor, Fidelita their disabilities. “We hope that Conciliation and Mediation vacation leave, sick leave, an online conciliation conference Lucero, De Moro Qui-Enn, Lea through our KaGabay Program, Branch 11 from diffusing an retirement benefits and voluntary through Zoom wherein the union Cortez, Rhymuel Patatag, Salmoro economic prosperity remains impending labor implosion resignation. made presented its final offer. Alnor, Robert Ricafort, Maynard with them notwithstanding here when it successfully On February 21, the union On July 21, both parties agreed Cahimtong, Henry Medida, Nilo their physical or occupational struck a labor deal between the agreed to reduce their demands in to amicably settle, effectively Bando, Pepito Petagra, Charlie limitations,” she added. Lapanday Workers Union and order to encourage management concluding negotiations between Gujol, Jeonell Mendez and Riomi Accordingly, the recipients the Lapanday Foods Corporation on conciliation-mediation. Lapanday Foods Corporation Aguibo. will further be given Php10,000 as thereby averting what could have The union also conducted a and LWU- Independent. They had previously availed complementary livelihood grant been a major labor setback for the strike vote balloting on February Aside from the economic of the other ECC benefits such after one year to encourage them to city this year. 27 to show the management benefits, management agreed to as sickness, disability benefits, manage their business with utmost The Lapanday Workers Union that the majority of the union conduct a time-and-motion study medical reimbursements, cash enthusiasm and as an incentive (LWU-independent) will receive membership is united in their at the plant to determine fair wage assistance of P10,000, free physical for sustaining their business. P1.934 million in monetary stand to conduct an actual strike rates. The estimated economic and occupational therapy, and free ECC exercises due diligence in benefits from the recently if talks fell through. package of P1.934 million also skill or entrepreneurial training. regularly checking on the progress concluded Collective Bargaining The NCMB then conducted includes a livelihood grant from “The ECC gives hope to of individual business ventures Agreement (CBA) between the several conciliation conferences DOLE. Management also agreed people like us who are no longer of beneficiaries of livelihood union and Lapanday Foods to encourage both parties to that issues that were not agreed fit to work due to work-related packages. –with reports from Danica Corporation despite negotiations negotiate their proposals before upon may be raised by the union disabilities,” mused Ricafort, a Lacson, REU-3 being initially stalled by the the end of the strike ban period. at a proper venue. pandemic restrictions. With the priorities of the Lapanday Foods Corporation, Regional Conciliation and National Government shifting a banana plantation and exporting Mediation Branch-11 Director from building the economy company, is located in Maryknoll Aerrine Marie R. Reyes said the to curbing the transmission Drive Bo. Pampanga, Lanang, signing of the CBA was brought of the COVID-19, the parties Davao City. The company has by the successful settlement of were informed by RCMB-11 of 290 employees and is headed by the notice of strike filed by the the suspension of scheduled Chief Executive Officer Rica P. union last February. conciliation proceedings as the Lorenzo. “The parties agreed to settle labor department ordered all its Lapanday Workers Union the issues amicably despite agencies and offices to practice (LWU-Independent) is a conducting the conferences physical distancing. legitimate labor organization under abnormal conditions due “The conference held last recognized and duly registered to the COVID-19 pandemic,” March 18 was the last face to with the Department of Labor and Reyes said, citing reports from face meeting that was conducted Employment. It has a total union Conciliator-Mediator Rhium by the Branch with both parties, membership of 267 employees Truce C. Salvador. since the local government and is headed by Union President After a deadlock, the union likewise imposed community Rey Manguilimutan. –Gillian filed a notice of strike after a quarantine in the region,” Reyes Pearl L. Guerrero with reports from alleging unfair labor practices. noted. Gary Bonghanoy photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 6 • THE REGIONS • August 2020 DOLE-9 Campaign vs child labor beefed up holds safety Project Angel Tree intensified

webinar CHILDREN suffer the most in food assistance and life guidance. ZAMBOANGA CITY — In line times of strife and crisis. This is CADJEN Executive Director with the labor department’s why the Department of Labor and Lina Ganaba expressed gratitude order to all its agencies and Employment has stepped up its to the DOLE for “extending help to campaign to eliminate child labor the children of the poor especially regional offices to prioritize in the country. The current health in this trying times.” safety to all stakeholders during crisis brought by the COVID-19 “Part of the mandate of DOLE the pandemic, DOLE Region-9 pandemic has even led the is to eliminate child labor,” said recently held a series of virtual International Labour Organization Agnes Capigon, DOLE provincial seminars for safety officers in (ILO) to warn governments that head, adding that “the children of the region as the department the “economic shock from the the poor are among our priorities ratcheted up its campaign to nip pandemic will push millions of especially during this pandemic.” COVID-19 in the labor sector. children all over the world into In a related development, Dubbed “Coping with the child labor.” DOLE Iloilo and the Iloilo City New Normal”, the capacity- photo by DOLE RO-6 This prompted the labor Inter-agency on Child Labor and building webinar for Safety department to intensify its “Project Trafficking recently launched an Officer 1 was held in 3 batches PROJECT ANGEL TREE. Children in Bacolod City participate in an activity organized as part Angel Tree” program which awareness campaign to address from August 11 to 6, 2020, of Project Angel Tree program. profiles and rescues children the plight of child laborers in the 134 safety officers from the from poor rural families from the city. Zamboanga Peninsula joined the clutches of child labor. The collaboration resulted in webinars. we opted to do it virtually. Our “We will continue to conduct The department kicked off the the production of a short video Regional Director Roy clients need to be informed of free webinars for the private program in Bacolod City where ad on the plight of Iloilo’s child Buenafe said that the aim of the the latest issuances despite the sector in close coordination with DOLE Region 6 identified 50 child laborers, and a virtual advocacy seminar was to train local safety limitations,” he said. the DTI. Raising awareness to laborers and reached out to them campaign to mark the recent officers on how to implement the Representatives from hotels, help prevent the spread of the and their families so that they celebration of World Day Against DOLE-DTI interim guidelines on restaurants, retail shops, canning COVID disease is our main could be given both guidance and Child Labor. the prevention of COVID-19 in factories and local schools and priority at the moment,” RD aid. Titled “COVID-19 Sugpuin, workplaces. colleges participated in the Buenafe added. –KCG with With assistance from Batang Manggagawa Sagipin,” "Since we are highly discou- virtual class. Subjects focused on reports from Jerrick Gerard C. Go, Christian Advocates for Justice the video features a call on all and Development in Negros Ilonggos to protect their children raged from conducting face-to- safety and well-being of workers Sr. LEO, TSSD (CADJEN), DOLE Region 6 from all forms of abuse and to get face seminars and orientations, in the various local industries. gathered the 50 children and their them to schools. families and provided them with DOLE intensifies program Food packs provided for child laborers in Hilongos, Leyte to alleviate grassroots poor IN HILONGOS, Leyte, about the food packs we have given will 100 child laborers also received bring relief to our child laborers food packs during the Project and their families. Even in this Angel Tree activity held recently simple way, we are hoping that by the department in partnership our kids will not go back to any P16M aid provided for Western Visayas workers with the local government unit form of child labor because as our THE labor department continues welfare department and other came from Bacolod City, Talisay of Hilongos and the Brotherhood tagline says, “Children should not to increase its aid to Filipino sources. City, Silay City, Victorias City, of Christian Businessmen and work in fields, but on dreams”, workers in its campaign to cushion “We wanted to reach out Cadiz City, Sagay City, San Carlos Professionals-Hilongos Chapter. said Estrella. the impact of the pandemic on the to our sugarcane workers City, Bago City, La Carlota City, Present to grace the activity Estrella also expressed her country’s poor especially in the because they are one of the most Kabankalan City, Sipalay City, were Mayor Albert Villahermosa, gratitude to the LGU-Hilongos countryside. vulnerable and marginalized and the municipalities of E.B. SB Member Manuel Villahermosa, and the BCBP for their support Recently, the department workers in the country and the Magalona, Murcia, Valladolid, and DOLE-Western Leyte and generosity: “My heartfelt released P16 million as aid for the COVID-19 pandemic has added Pontevedra, Binalbagan, Manapla, Field Office Chief Fe Estrella, thanks and appreciation go to our sacadas of Region 6, one of the to their hardships,” said Mary and Ilog. representing Regional Director partners, LGU-Hilongos through most marginalized workers in the Agnes Capigon, head of DOLE’s The cash assistance was Yahya Centi. The team of BCBP- Mayor Villahermosa and our gen- labor sector. provincial field office. given to the workers in several Hilongos headed by Anniver erous sponsors, the BCBP. With- DOLE extended the cash aid DOLE-6 released the assistance tranches that started early May Antolihao was also in attendance out you, this will not be possible. from its Emergency Subsidy with the help of the local Sugar in coordination with the region’s during the gift-giving event. I hope this will not be the last time Program to sugarcane workers Tripartite Council and in STC. Estrella, the newly-installed we will join hands in this kind of in the region, both working in coordination with 26 planters’ “The distribution of the cash chief of the DOLE-WLFO, said the endeavour,” Estrella ended. the mills and the cane fields. association and nine sugar mills in aid is still on-going and will activity was conducted to bring Project Angel Tree is a Amounting to P1,000 per worker, the region. continue until we fully released aid and relief to the child laborers component of the DOLE’s it targeted workers who had not DOLE’s Negros Occidental the total allocated budget for especially their parents during Child Labor Prevention and received any cash aid from the Field Office said that beneficiaries Negros Occidental,” Capigon said. this time of COVID-19 pandemic. Elimination Program (CLPEP) She believes that the grocery packs which provides an array of social distributed can somehow ease services that range from food, Mindoro, Romblon workers benefit from P6.3M aid their burden and prevent their clothing, educational assistance To help marginalized In Occidental Mindoro, Coconut Farmers and Processing children from resorting back to or school supplies and even work workers recover from the the Samahan ng mga Inang Association (SMCFPA) for their any form of child labor. and training opportunities made impact of COVID-19 pandemic, Nagkakaisa ng Tahanan production of high value-added “During this time of global available by sponsors to child the Department of Labor and Association (SINTA) also received coconut products. health crisis, I really believe that laborers and their families. Employment released some P6.3 P500,000 assistance for their DOLE Region 4-B Director million in livelihood assistance to bakery project. Albert E. Gutib said the SMCFPA “Our region is divided into alamat dahil nakapagtrabaho po various workers’ associations in Also, 500 more displaced is the first producer of coconut oil island provinces but our team ako sa ilalim ng TUPAD na mal- Mimaropa region. workers in Occidental Mindoro in the province of Romblon. The is united and determined in aking kapakinabangan din po sa The beneficiaries include will benefit from DOLE’s group also received technology bringing assistance package aming barangay dahil nalinis ang fishers association, coconut 1.6 million-peso Tulong assistance from Department of to our clients especially to the aming lugar. Malaking tulong po farmers, tricycle drivers, Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Science and Technology (DOST) vulnerable workers amid the ito sa amin lalo na sa panahon po motorcycle shop workers, Disadvantaged/Displaced in producing quality cooking oil. crisis,” Gutib said. ngayon,” said Rolando Famila- women’s group, and displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. DOLE also released P1.5 The beneficiaries rendered 10- ran, a TUPAD beneficiary. workers from Mindoro and The 500 displaced worker- million emergency employment day work, such as sanitation and TUPAD program is a Romblon. beneficiaries are in addition to assistance to informal workers in disinfection, including repacking community-based package of In Mindoro, 96 members from the 5,765 beneficiaries already the municipality of Concepcion, and distribution of relief goods short-term wage employment fishers’ organization and tricycle provided with emergency Romblon. The workers received in their community. Each assistance of the department to drivers association received employment assistance in the daily wage assistance through beneficiary received P3,200 based mitigate the impact of calamities, P725,000 assistance under the province since April of this year. the TUPAD or emergency on the prevailing minimum wage disasters, and pandemics on DOLE Integrated Livelihood In Romblon, on the other hand, employment program. in the region. workers in the informal economy. Program (DILP). DOLE released P1M to Sta. Maria “Lubos po akong nagpapas-

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR August 2020 • OVERSEAS • 7 POLO-Wash marks migrants day with worldwide link ups THE Philippine Overseas scholarships, and agri- who shared tips on how to Labor Office in Washington DC fishery enterprises. He also overcome negative thoughts recently celebrated Migrant encouraged OFWs to consider and emotions due to the Workers’ Day by organizing agriculture, fishery, and uncertainties brought about by a series of webinar themed as agribusiness ventures once the pandemic. “Kabayan, may Kabuhayan sa they return home. DA Food Lastly, in the third webinar, Kabukiran”. Security Ambassador James POEA Administrator Bernard The first webinar was Reid and Dream Agritech, Olalia talked about policies on jointly organized by the Office a start-up of professional OFW deployment during the of the Agriculture Attache agriculturalists, also joined the pandemic while OWWA Ad- and featured Agriculture webinar. ministrator Hans Leo Cacdac Secretary William Dar The succeeding webinar discussed OWWA services and photo by POLO-WDC who presented relevant focused on mental health programs, particularly repa- programs of the Department during the pandemic and was triation, transportation, and KABAYAN, MAY KABUHAYAN SA KABUKIRAN. A webinar organized by POLO Washington of Agriculture, particularly graced by Fr. Nilo Tanalega accommodation services for featured Agriculture Secretary William Dar and actor James Reid, who is Department of financial assistance, trainings, of the UGAT Foundation returning OFWs. Agriculture ambassador for food security. WHO-based app on mental POLO saves Tokyo intern from abuse and stigma wellness launched for OFWs THE Philippine Overseas Proper medical tests were Labor Office (POLO) in Tokyo then conducted on the intern, A PIONEERING app-based Macau are encouraged to use the which is part of the Caritas managed to help a worker- who eventually obtained the health intervention system has ‘Kumusta, Kabayan’ mobile app Internationale, has worked with intern avoid a pre-termination clearance to stay and work in been rolled out to provide mental or access its website so they could the UM in implementing the of contract and repatriation Japan. health support and other social better understand prevailing program following the WHO’s on suspicion the worker was POLO-Tokyo emphasized services to Filipino migrant health and mental issues and how guidelines and adapted the suffering from pulmonary that the decision of local officials workers in Macau, the Philippine they could seek assistance. system into the mobile app Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in “Like other demographic ‘Kumusta, Kabayan’ for overseas tuberculosis. to turn down the registration the territory reported. groups, overseas Filipino workers Filipino workers in Macau. Through the help of POLO of the worker’s residency on The app, dubbed ‘Kumusta, in Macau have also experienced Users of the app can Tokyo’s Welfare Service Unit, mere suspicion of a health issue Kabayan,’ is an electronic health physical or mental health chal- monitor their health condition headed by Welfare Attache Amy is a violation of the Residence monitoring system designed to lenges caused by uncertainties by answering health-related Crisostomo and Ms. Yuriko Registration Act. It is also against improve the well-being of OFWs brought by the COVID-19 pan- questions on a weekly basis. Seki, the technical intern had existing law labor laws and those amid continuing health crisis due demic,” POLO Macau said. Implementation of the project a sputum test which yielded a pertaining to infectious diseases to COVID-19. The system was originally led to onsite recruitment at local negative result, allowing the to suspend a worker from work The mobile app was launched developed by the World Health churches, service centers under worker-intern to stay in Japan without doctor’s final evaluation as part of the recent Health Organization (WHO) for Caritas Macau, as well as recruit- and continue working. and assessment. Connection Project for overseas populations with limited access ment at the Philippine Consulate The intern had sought It further underscored the Filipino workers (OFWs) to mental health services. General Office and POLO during assistance from POLO-Tokyo need for deploying agencies organized by the University of With the help of researchers Sundays. after he was prevented from and supervising organizations Macau and Caritas Macau, with at universities and social Information about the recruit- starting work and was placed under the Technical Intern the support of the Philippine organizations, different language ment and online recruitment instead on “floating status” Training Program to make sure Consulate General and POLO in versions of the system (including activities are available on the following his failure to obtain that all workers undergo the Macau Special Administrative Chinese version) have been Facebook pages, websites, and registration of his residence with correct pre-deployment medical Region (SAR). developed and tested in different other social media platforms of the Ward Office on suspicion processes to avoid similar cases The Health Connection regions of the world. It has been the WelAnser Centre of Caritas that he was suffering from an in the future. It added that Project will be implemented until proven to be useful in helping Macau, the Philippine Consulate infectious disease. workers should also maintain December to provide support users cope with stress and General in Macau, POLO Macau This prompted POLO- a healthy and active lifestyle for the OFW community in the emotional disturbance. and UM’s Centre for Macau Tokyo to seek the assistance of a for them to sustain fitness for territory. Filipino workers in POLO said Caritas Macau, Studies. specialist in infectious diseases. overseas work.

• THE REGIONS • Diligent youth get job stints in Western Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — Fifty- student payout through an during this pandemic. They nine students in Western accredited money-transfer said the program has been Samar recently became agency in keeping with helpful to them and their beneficiaries of a short current health protocols on families. employment grant from the physical distancing. SPES is DOLE’s youth labor department. Each beneficiary received employment-bridging Over two hundred around P3,421.12 for services program that aims to provide thousand pesos were handed rendered during the 20- temporary employment to down as stipend for the day implementation of poor but deserving students deserving students under the SPES program in the and out-of-school youths DOLE’s Special Program said municipality last July. (OSYs) during summer for Employment of Students They were duly assisted by and/or Christmas vacation (SPES). The recepients all Gandara PESO Manager to augment the family’s came from Gandara, Samar. Aurelio Fabi, and LEO II income and to pursue their DOLE Region 8 through Karen Joan Libres. education. –Norma Rae S. photo by DOLE RO-8 its Samar Field Office Beneficiaries expressed Costimiano with reports from (SFO), headed by Chief Fe their gratitude for the Karen Joan L. Libres A student in Gandara, Leyte fills out a form necessary for her to receive a stipend amounting Norma Valuis, made the assistance received especially to P3,421 for service rendered under DOLE's Special Program for Employment of Students.

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment • THE GOOD NEWS • Japan eases entry for OFWs

STARTING next month human care service, building (September) Japan will ease cleaning management, restrictions in the entry of machine parts and tooling foreign workers, including industries, industry Dep’t develops own Filipinos according to the machinery industry, electric, Philippine Overseas Labor electronics and information Office in Tokyo (POLO- industries, construction Tokyo). industry, shipbuilding and QR Code in fight vs virus This means that Filipino ship machinery industry, workers bound for Japan automobile repair and will now be allowed to maintenance, aviation TO HELP contain the spread “Contact tracing is an Involuntary Separation for SSS enter the country subject to industry, accommodation of COVID-19 in the labor sector, essential step that is why the Unemployment Benefits. reconfirmation of their re- industry, agriculture, fishery the labor department’s regional online health checklist is being DOLE-4A also developed entry either from the Japan and aquaculture, manufacture office in the industry-rich implemented to speed up the an online system on applying embassy or a consulate. This of food and beverages and Calabarzon has developed a current manual processes and for Construction Safety and will also include a COVID-19 food service industry. Quick Response (QR) code that to make it quicker to stop the Health Program, Application test 72 hours prior to travel, Filipinos interested in takes body temperature, stores spread of the virus, particularly for No Pending Case, Report POLO-Tokyo said. working in the said categories contact details, and allows quick if the restrictions are eased,” RD of Safety Organization, Annual Due to serious lack of need to learn and improve tracing of all its visitors and Jalbuena said underscoring the Medical Report, Registration manpower, Japan partially on their Japanese language stakeholders in the region. critical role technology plays in of Job Service Contractor/ amended its Immigration skills as the Specified Skilled The online health checklist, containing the pandemic. Job Contractor, Request for and Refugee Recognition Worker program between which functions like a digital All scanners are required Technical Safety Inspection, Control Act in December the and Japan logbook that uses a QR code, to provide basic contact Application for Alien 2018, creating the Specified requires the passing of the was recently rolled out by DOLE information and fill out a quick Employment Permit, Internal Skilled Worker category in Japan Language Proficiency Region 4-A. health checklist at the office Documents Requisition System, order to address the need Test of N4 or N3, POLO Tokyo “By developing new entrance which are evaluated by and Online Application System for 323,000 foreign workers said. systems, innovating ways to the safety officers on duty. for DOLE IV-A Vacancies. in 14 categories that include communicate, and in bringing RD Jalbuena assured the –DOLE Calabarzon fresh approaches, we hope public that all their personal that we are able to provide information can only be accessed better client experience while by the system’s administrator observing health and safety and that the system is covered protocols,” DOLE IV-A Regional by the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Director Henry John Jalbuena To maintain contactless said. transactions and safeguard the The system requires all welfare of its employees and visitors and employees to take a clients, DOLE IV-A has also scan of the locally-designed QR developed its Client Appoint- code before they can enter the ment System, Request for As- premises of the regional office. sistance Online Filing System, The scan is either done through a Registration of Establishment, mobile phone or a tablet and this and Request for Certificate of allows DOLE-4A to scramble a quick contract tracing protocol COORDINATED OPERATIONS VERSUS COVID-19. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello in the event that one of its III makes a point during a recent visit to employee or visitor would test Rizal province as part of the government's positive for COVID-19. coordinated efforts to defeat the COVID-19 photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS pandemic ECC shores up job opportunity for disabled worker with prosthesis benefit

WHEN Edwin Esparagoza, 54, was ECC Executive Director Stella Banawis related accident, Esparagoza discovered Esparagoza said. “Keep up the good told he has been hired for a position he said: “We are very delighted to know that he can avail the EC physical work! Napakaganda ng programang ito. applied for, he couldn’t believe his ears, that there is a network of companies that restoration services under the Katulong Dito ramdam na ramdam ang benepisyo, astounded that he had finally realized promote awareness among employers at Gabay sa Manggagawang may pero hindi ramdam ang contribution, his dream of going back to employment and employees through the provision Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program. The dahil wala kaming contribution bilang considering his disability. of employment platform for these ECC granted him a left functional hand manggagawa,” he added. “Noong iniinterview nila ako sa individuals and giving them a chance prosthesis worth Php110,000.00 in According to Banawis, EC beneficiaries application ko, tinanong nila ako kung to showcase their abilities and unique November 2017. or PWRDs with approved EC claims anong disability ko. Hindi kasi nila agad contributions without prejudice.” Due to family matters, however, he are entitled to apply for the physical napansin na artificial pala ang kaliwang Esparagoza figured in a machine had to leave his job to take care of his restoration services or the provision of braso ko. Salamat sa ECC (Employees accident in April 1983 while working as a wife and children in 2018. artificial prosthesis regardless of the year Compensation Commission) naboost production operator in a manufacturing Esparagoza said, “Napakaswerte ko of their contingency. ang self-esteem ko,” gushed Esparagoza company. The accident caused the sa aking mga employers. Unang-una, “We are looking forward to working during a recent online interview. amputation of his left arm at the age ako’y nagpapasalamat sa aking previous together with these likeminded people Esparagoza, backed by his strong will of 22. For his work-related disability, employer dahil nai-file nila ang ECC at or organizations with the same heart and to go back to economic mainstream, was he was granted 120 days Temporary nagrow ako sa kanila sa loob ng almost advocacies for the promotion of the well- hired by First Philec Inc. in Batangas as Total Disability(TTD) and 39 months 35 years of service. Ganun din ang being of the PWRDs,” she emphasized. recruitment staff in January of this year. of Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) pagpapasalamat ko sa bagong employer ECC is an attached agency of the He applied through a job fair organized benefits. ko ngayon, dahil napakasupportive ng Department of Labor and Employment by PDAO Calamba and Project Inclusion Even with a disability, the company mga tao at pinagkatiwalaan nila ako na (DOLE) whose flagship program is Network (PIN) which aims to enhance re-employed him and assigned to kaya kong gampanan ang mga gawain designed to provide benefit package to employment opportunities not only for different positions during his 35 years dito sa aming opisina.” employees who met work-connected persons with disabilities but also for of service. He last held the position of “Salamat ECC dahil kayo ang isa sa sickness, injury, or death. –Ruby Ann J. persons with work-related disabilities Personnel Officer. mga patuloy na nagpaparamdam sa Fajardo (PWRDs). Thirty-four years after his work- aming mga PWRDs na may pag-asa pa,”